Things could start happening real soon around the Avs and other NHL teams when it comes to some dealing. The NHL startes a trade freeze from Dec. 19-27, so don’t be surprised at a few deals going down before then.

Here’s one thing I’m hearing from people in the know: The Rangers are so intent on getting Mats Sundin that they may well trade Chris Drury to make room. The Rangers will need to clear some significant salary to allow for Mats’ inclusion, and Drury has three more years and $21.5 million left on his contract after this season.
But he also has a no-movement clause to his deal, meaning any kind of trade or demotion to the minors or put through the waiver wire would need his approval first.
The thing about no-trade clauses is, though: Once a player realizes a team wants to trade him, they almost always waive it, provided they get to go to a place they want. Nobody wants to stay around on a team that really would rather trade him.

And if Drury allowed himself to be sent though waivers first and then traded to another team, the Rangers can get half of his salary off their books. The team getting Drury not only gets him, but much of his salary paid by someone else.

Drury’s cap-average hit to a payroll, however, is $7.050 million.

The Avs have roughly five million in cap space right now – partly because of Joe Sakic’s long-term injury. So maybe if you get a Drury to waive his no-movement clause to come to Colorado and get the Rangers to pay half his salary this year after going through re-entry waivers, you could fit him in – although you’d probably have to move more salary too.

Of the few teams Drury would consider playing for, I’m sure the Avs would be one of them. He always liked Denver and won a Cup here. I’ve heard San Jose would want him bad though, too.

But maybe if you’re Francois Giguere and looking to not only bolster your second line a lot better, and make a nice news splash, you make a real run at Drury. Maybe you sell off some other assets to help ease the payroll too. Ruslan Salei and/or Brett Clark, anyone?